This original new exhibition has been developed from Prescot Museum’s collection, with additions from the ARK at Knowsley Archives, National Museums Liverpool, and the personal collections of local individuals.
Colourful displays of products, packaging and photographs of staff and factories are brought to life by a specially-commissioned montage of film and audio clips from various local history projects, promotional footage and personal interviews.
Some of these interviews have been conducted in the months leading up to the exhibition, capturing more recent experiences and memories not previously documented, preserving them for the future.
This fascinating exhibition, a mix of local, social and design history, sparks both nostalgia and hope for the future; it features a blend of historic and current firms including Amazon Studios, BICC, Cronton and Whiston Collieries, English Electric, Hornby Meccano, Huntley and Palmers, Kirkby Tyres, Lancashire Watch Company, Leather Satchel Company, Royal Ordnance Factory, Tinling’s and many more.
The breadth of items manufactured locally is huge – everything from washing machines to watches, bags to biscuits, tools to toys, frozen peas to funky tunes – so much has been ‘Made on Merseyside’!
Schools can book self-led workshops and engage with the displays using a choice of bespoke educational learning resources inspired by local industry and products to explore design, numeracy and communication.
Contact Tina Ball for more information email: tina.ball@knowsley.gov.uk or phone 0151 443 4936.